My first look at the picture sucks the air out of my lungs. Then the rage hits like the worst gut punch of my career. Now I understand why she made me promise to keep my cool, but ittakes every bit of strength in my body not to throw the tablet across the room and storm out like a bull seeing red.
Because I want blood—Chase’s, to be exact.
I bite the inside of my mouth until I taste my own, keeping my face schooled as much as possible, as I return it. I’m furious to say the least, but I’m also relieved that she’s not getting back together with that vile excuse of a human being.
Bree won’t even look at me as she takes the tablet. She rushes to swipe away the picture, her face contorted with disgust.
“I did something I think will help.” Her voice shakes as she speaks. “I probably should have run it by you first, but at the time, I had no idea Chase would sign up for the event.”
She launches into another story about Sophie interviewing Chase for an article that will actually be an exposé. “I’d planned to put the article link on the website along with his player stats. But if you feel that would compromise the event, I’ll understand.”
No longer pacing, Zach starts to say something, but then looks at Rebecca. “What do you think, boss?”
Rebecca rises to her feet and approaches Bree. “Put the link on the website, but also send it to me. I will make sure it gets into the right hands.”
Bree nods. “The article won’t be live until the weekend of the event, which is less than a week away. I don’t know what else to do. I’m so sorry.”
Rebecca pulls her into a hug, which is what I should be doing. But instead, I’m trying to keep my anger in check behind a wall of padding.
“Don’t be sorry, Bree. You didn’t do anything wrong. And you shouldn’t have to deal with this on your own. You’re as much a part of this team as the players, and we have each other’s backs.” Rebecca leans back to look her in the face. “I wish you’d come to us sooner so we could have helped you, but I’m so glad to hearyou have such an amazing group of friends who have been there for you.”
Rebecca gives me a pointed look as she pulls Bree into another hug, almost like a reprimand. She must see how I’m holding back. Call me chagrined. As much as I want to renew my commitment to see Langston suffer and pay for what he’s done, Bree needs her best friend more.
I acknowledge Rebecca’s unspoken command with a nod. “We’ve got your back, Bree. All of us. I’ll talk to the team so they know what’s going on.”
Zach raises his brows. “Make it crystal clear that they can’t instigate anything. Langston will go down for this, but we have to ensure the Sun Kings’ reputation doesn’t get tarnished by some misguided heroics that come off more like vigilantism. Clear?”
I nod again. “I’ll make it clear.”
After more reassurances from Rebecca and Zach, I follow Bree to the elevator. When she goes to push the button for the first floor, I grab her hand and pull her into an awkward hug, again cursing the gear that protects me but creates a barrier between us.
Clinging to me, she sobs against my jersey. “I should have never come to Florida.”
The anger over what that scumbag has put her through eats at me from within like acid. Sophie’s article will likely get Langston suspended or, even better, expelled from the league, but in my mind, that’s not enough punishment for what he’s done to her.
“Moving here was the best thing you could have done, Bree-bear.” I run a hand over her hair, then drop a kiss at her hairline, inhaling her sweet floral scent. That familiar ache hits me harder than ever, mixed with a ferocity to protect her at all costs.
Who am I kidding? What made me think I could ever get over her? I’ve spent more of my life in love with this woman than not, and I’ll spend the rest of my days loving her, even if it has to be from afar.
A hum of pleasure escapes her lips, as if my touch surprises and comforts her all at once. She turns her head to stare up at me, eyes full of doubts and questions roiling like a storm.
“I’m such an idiot.” Something deeper flashes behind her gorgeous blue irises, but slips away before I can identify it.
“No, you’re not. Don’t let that jerk make you feel responsible for his depravity.”
She lifts herself onto her toes, wrapping her hands behind my neck to pull me down into a hug. “Thank you for keeping your promise.”
A slight tremble runs through her as I tighten my hold, as if my strength could wash away all the fear and trepidation she’s feeling. If she only knew how much it’s taking not to turn into a raging beast on a rampage, out for vengeance. In all honesty, the only thing helping me stay calm at this point is her proximity.
I close my eyes at the sensation of her warmth against me. Her sweet scent fills my nostrils again. My lips rest against the side of her neck, and the temptation to kiss that soft patch of skin just below her ear almost overwhelms me.
No matter how much I hate Langston, I have to hold it together. For her.
But once this all blows over, all bets are off.
Chapter Thirty-Two
BREE
